Alabama football linebacker Qua Russaw revealed members of the Crimson Tide’s leadership group on Wednesday, quarterback Ty Simpson among them. Simpson hasn’t won the starting job in Tuscaloosa, but is the longest-tenured player at that position.

After the Crimson Tide held its second scrimmage of spring practice, head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked whether Simpson’s spot on the leadership council showed he might have an inside track for the starting job.

“No, I mean that leadership group was voted on in January,” DeBoer said. “It was before spring even started. And I would expect Ty to be on that. He’s been here, invested a lot. I would have bored for Ty to be on that in January as well.”

Simpson joined the Crimson Tide as part of the 2022 recruiting class. He served as UA’s primary backup in 2023 and 2024, sitting behind Jalen Milroe.

The son of Tennessee-Martin head coach Jason Simpson, the redshirt junior is battling for the starting spot with fellow veteran Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell. DeBoer said Friday that Simpson and Mack are getting more first and second-team reps, due to their experience in the system allowing Alabama to do more offensively.

He continued to praise Simpson’s leadership as spring practice continued.

“(Simpson) does a great job really taking advantage of knowing the guys that are on the team, helping them,” DeBoer said. “He’s obviously gotta take care of his business, and he does. We aks guys to be leaders, and when you take care of your business, bring someone with you, and he does a great job with that.”

Former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy said on his podcast this week that he felt Simpson was separating himself for the starting job. However, DeBoer emphasized Friday that all three remained in the hunt.

He spoke about the leadership traits of the other two passers.

“Keelon does it with his presence,” DeBoer said. “He’s not probably going to be as vocal yet, just hasn’t been around long enough. And Austin’s kind of been there as well. Because of the confidence and things he’s done, especially the middle half of last fall, where he started really kind of showing the effort and energy that can bring the team, I think he’s gained a lot of confidence being a leader as well.”

Alabama will continue spring practice until April 12, when it will hold an open session for A-Day at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A-Day will not be a game or scrimmage this year, and won’t be televised, though admission will be free.